Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is closer to leaving at the end of the month.

Benitez has reached the end of his tether at Newcastle United and has one hand already pressed against the exit door, says The Times.

He is now seriously considering a lucrative offer on the table from Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

Benitez's contract at St James' Park expires in just nine days and talks regarding a fresh deal have stalled.

A long and protracted sale of the football club has not helped matters, with Ashley himself unwilling to commit to large-scale investment into a business he is looking to get rid of.